Repeat title possible: Lady Warriors working hard

By Gloria Austin  
Staff Writer
    Even though the two-time Class D state champion Southern Aroostook Lady Warriors graduated seven seniors — five starters of whom three combined for more than 50 goals — they are returning with core players again this season.
    “There is no doubt the girls have some big shoes to fill,” said coach Holly Vining. “But, they are already hard at it. They are playing together well, working hard and they are enjoying being back on the field.”
    Part of the starting group which graduated was four-year goalie Emily Cummings and fullback Lauren McGary, along with offensive-minded Evangeline and Elizabeth Goodall and Rochelle Nadeau.
    “We are a much younger team this year than we were last,” said Vining. “We are probably more like the team we were a couple of years ago. However, we are still fortunate to have depth and a number of girls who can play anywhere.”
    Leading the team this season are twin sisters, seniors Jasmine and Janel Rockwell, along with returning midfielders Olivia Raymond, Jillian Diaferio and Cassie Garcelon. Anchoring the defense will be two-year starters Shelby Hartin and Kaitlyn Sommers. Kristen Tarr, who filled in for McGary when she broke her foot last year, will get the starting call to join Hartin and Sommers on the back line.
    “We will be looking for the Jasmine and Janel to spearhead our offense,” said Vining. “And, Mallory Lawlor, who trained as our backup goalie the last two seasons, is in net and doing a nice job.”
    Other contributors to the team’s offense and midfield are returning players Desirae Dubois, Katie Goodall, Beth Bishop and Morgan Gustin.
     “We have three rookies who can fill in on any line and they will be a huge asset for us this season,” said Vining.
    The newcomers are Ria Kinney, Mataya Hartin and Taylor Desmond.
    The Lady Warriors will be challenged by their schedule of opponents, but they are hoping not to be deterred from another title run.
    “We know we will have a lot of very tough games,” Vining said. “We’ve been preparing ourselves physically and mentally. We’ve been focusing on conditioning in hopes that we can continue to play as hard and strong in the second half as we do in the first. We’ve also spent a great deal of time learning how to generate offense in our new positions, and really honing our defense, as well.”
    Easton, Ashland and Washburn are expected to be in the top of Class D, according to Vining, and for the first time, the Lady Warriors will be playing Bangor Christian twice this season.
    “We’re just focusing on one game at a time and worrying about what we have to do to get through that particular game,” she said.